Around The World
It’s the weekend and time to take off into the high-flying excitement of infinite sports knowledge.
It’s the weekend and time to take off into the high-flying excitement of infinite sports knowledge.
Soaring above the rest,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - Time for this week's tailgating favorite. Break out your meds because this one is good for the soul, but maybe not for the cholesterol levels. BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
MLB (Major League Baseball)
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. The playoffs are underway and there will be a special pint-sized guest at the Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros game- little Astros fan Chloe. She was scolded by another fan for cheering too loudly at a game and the video went viral. The Astros took notice and Chloe is not only going to the game but had a chance to meet her baseball heroes earlier this week. SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Overtime
Soul Plane has nothing on Mark Cuban. As part of the NBA’s efforts to reach its global fans, the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers are playing two games in China. Don’t fret, the Mavs didn’t have to fly coach, they flew in style on a first class private plane complete with a buffet, bar and plenty of room to stretch those long legs out. HIGH ALTITUDE BALLIN’
Sideline stat
They say actions are greater than words and in this case a Chicago Cubs (MLB) fan had to live up to both. Back in May he tweeted out that he would send a 1,000-word apology letter to Milwaukee Brewers fans if their team finished above his Cubs in the division. Well, the Cubs missed out on a spot in the playoffs when they lost in a winner-take-all game to the Brewers. INSERT FOOT IN MOUTH
Coaches’ Corner
This weekend is the biggest fight of the year for UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). Taking the octagon is Khabib Nurmagomedov, an undefeated Russian fighter who practices by wrestling live bears. He’ll fight Conor McGregor, who boxed Floyd Mayweather last year and is #4 on the Forbes list of highest paid athletes. McGregor also has a new addition in his life, Proper 12 whiskey, his company which is a sponsor of the fight. BOTTOMS UP
What to watch
The NHL (National Hockey League) is also going global with a game between the Edmonton Oilers and the New Jersey Devils on Sunday in Sweden. No word on if the teams’ transportation rivaled the Mavericks (above). THIS PLANE IS ALREADY TAKEN
5 Things To Know About The New Way To Bet On Sports
There’s been a lot of hype around the U.S. Supreme Court overturning a ruling on betting, but what does that mean for you, your paycheck and your state taxes?
There has been a lot of hype around the U.S. Supreme Court overturning a ruling on betting, but what does that mean for you, your paycheck and your state taxes?
Going all in,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Where were we? Before the ruling, if you wanted to place a bet on the outcome of an individual game it was illegal in all states, besides Nevada. The key word is individual games as other states had sports betting. Despite it being illegal to bet on individual games everywhere except Nevada, over $4.7 billion was bet on the Super Bowl - 97% illegally.
What does that mean for the cash burning a hole in my pocket? It will take some time for this to flush out. Much like legalizing marijuana, betting on individual games is determined at the state level. There are six states that are already working on laws to start operating. New Jersey is leading the pack, planning to take legal bets by Memorial Day, with other states hoping to get everything in place in time for the start of football season (Sept). WHY MARK CUBAN IS A BIG FAN
Everyone is looking to get a piece of the pie including professional teams that are hoping to drive attendance. Look no further than across the pond where many European sports stadiums have betting stations inside so you can bet while at the game. Adding live betting could help increase attendance at sporting events.
When we say everyone wants a piece of the pie, you didn’t think Uncle Sam wouldn’t be standing in line for a slice. Remember, winnings are taxable (provided the bet is legally placed). While those taxes may seem like a great revenue generator, don’t hold your breath. Sports betting revenue is a drop in the bucket for Nevada where it accounts for only two percent of the state’s gambling revenue. TAX ME
Ready to go all in? Here’s where your state stands as it relates to being able to place a bet on an individual game. Curious how to bet? Here’s our Five Things To Know About Sports Betting.
The trifecta to get you through your day
Keep up on the office chatter with today’s hot topics including why peeing in a cup could be hazardous to your baseball career, is P. Diddy the newest owner of a football team and which team literally won the lottery? READ
5 Things To Know About MLB’s Young Superstars
A recent report revealed that current baseball players are not recognizable. With familiar faces like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez gone from the game, we thought you should get know to this group since you’ll be hearing a lot about them this summer.
On second thought, we should’ve made a boys of summer calendar instead,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Five things to know about MLB’s (Major League Baseball’s) Young Superstars
- Bryce Harper, 24, Washington Nationals outfielder The Las Vegas native first appeared on the scene on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16-years-old and was dubbed "The Chosen One." He’s known for talent, his hair and his temper.
- Mike Trout, 25, Anaheim Angels outfielder In his five-year career, the two-time MVP has become only the second player to have his own signature Nike shoe. He also popped the question to his high school sweetheart by hiring a sky writer.
- Noah Syndergaard, 24, New York Mets pitcher Syndergaard (pronounced SIN-der-guard) is known as “Thor” because of his long flowing hair. His biggest rivalry isn’t with an opposing team but with the Mets’ mascot, Mr. Met, who was recently photographed with his mom.
- Kris Bryant, 25, Chicago Cubs third baseman He played baseball in Vegas with Bryce Harper (see #1). A member of the Cubs' World Series teams, the Rookie of the Year and NL MVP likes shoes as much as you do (although he gets paid to wear them), signing a record-breaking shoe deal with Adidas reportedly worth $1M a year.
- Carlos Correa, 22, Houston Astros shortstop The youngest one of the bunch began his MLB career in 2015 and was named Rookie of the Year. He was the first Puerto Rican born player to be drafted at number one. Rumor has it he has a tattoo of Food Network star Guy Fieri on his leg. Big fan or lost a bet?
Overtime
- Recently retired Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (NFL – National Football League) was honored by the Dallas Mavericks (NBA – National Basketball Association) last night. While he suited up and warmed up with the team, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver vetoed owner Mark Cuban’s idea to put Romo in the game. Party pooper.
Sideline stat
- Forbes released its annual valuation of MLB franchises. The average franchise is worth $1.54 billion, up 19% from last year. The top three franchises are:
- New York Yankees, valued at $3.7 billion
- Los Angeles Dodgers, $2.75 billion
- Boston Red Sox, $2.7 billion
Coaches’ corner
- The NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs begin tonight. The pressure is on the Pittsburgh Penguins to repeat last year’s Stanley Cup win. (The Stanley Cup is the name of the trophy given to the NHL champions). Need a cheat sheet on the playoffs? Here you go.